Lexus CT200h: Class with a conscience

The Lexus CT200h is a smart compact car. Photo / Supplied

The Lexus CT200h is a smart compact car. With petrol prices high and emissions hitting headlines, even well-heeled buyers don't always seek a large car. Hence the Lexus CT200h, a compact model that puts the brand in every luxury segment and could draw in new buyers.

What's new
The body looks smart with its wide track and sleek lines. Underbody fins and tapered sides smoothly part the air. Lexus has gone the extra mile in every area: it has invented a loom that knits carbon tubes, vacuum-casted the aluminium block to ensure consistency, and used Cat scans to check the inside of each engine for imperfections.

A low hip-point sits you as close to the weight centre as possible making you feel connected to your drive. The rear pews are offset to improve the view forward and the batteries sit under the rear floor to lower the car's centre of gravity.

The 1.8-litre petrol hybrid powerplant delivers 73kW at 5200rpm and 142Nm from 2800 to 4400rpm. In normal mode you view a power meter; select sport and it becomes a tacho and the backlighting goes from cool blue to red. Eco mode limits power and delivers milder acceleration; sport sharpens power, reduces power-steer assistance and alters stability and traction control response.

The company line
The CT200h delivers Lexus levels of technology and customer service to a new and smaller bracket. Lexus national manager Debbie Pattullo says "we intend to make an impact". So the CT200h arrives as a stripped $51,500 entry-level car, or the up-spec $67,600 Ltd and $69,000 F-Sport. All get eight airbags, stability control and ABS, but the latter add larger 17-inch wheels, different front and rear grilles, lights, bumper detail and lots of extra kit.

What we say
The Ltd and Sport get the extensive specification list more usually associated with a larger luxury car, including radar cruise control and the ability to brake for you if impact is imminent. Yet the standard car can't even muster rear park aid, or Bluetooth - so buyers will get it integrated into a free TomTom Go950 portable satnav.

On the road
There's more tyre noise than expected from the low rolling resistance tyres, but the car's nimble, with sharp steering. Shame it feels so underpowered, given its sporty look. In theory the plus side is a 4.1l/100km thirst - nowhere near our 6.2l/100km tally, admittedly achieved with none of the round-town running at which this hybrid powertrain excels.

Why you'll buy one
You want a smarter Prius.

Why you won't
BMW's 1 Series is better and many variants hardly less frugal; the cabin's B-pillar air vent that helps cool the batteries is scary.